Name: Funfetti Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (110ml) vegetable or canola oil; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 3 1/4 cups (435g) all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (125g) full fat sour cream, room temperature; 1 cup (225ml) buttermilk, room temperature; 3/4 cup (140g) rainbow jimmies sprinkles; 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp milk; 1/2 cup (90g) sprinkles for decorating

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cake that instantly brightens any celebration, this Funfetti Cake is just the ticket. Packed with cheerful rainbow sprinkles that peek through every slice, it’s a delightful balance of moist, buttery layers and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Whether for a birthday, a casual get-together, or just because, this Funfetti Cake brings a joyful splash of color and classic flavor that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Funfetti Cake lies in using simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role — from rich butter that adds softness and depth, to sour cream for moistness, and colorful sprinkles for that iconic festive pop.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temp): Provides a creamy base and rich flavor in the cake layers.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the batter perfectly and helps create a tender crumb.
Vegetable or canola oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the texture.
Large eggs (4, room temp): Adds structure and richness, binding everything together beautifully.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Delivers warm, comforting notes that enhance the overall flavor.
All purpose flour (3 1/4 cups): The cake’s foundation, providing body and lift.
Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp): The magic leavening agent ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with sour cream for optimal rise and crumb balance.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and boosts flavors.
Full fat sour cream (1/2 cup, room temp): Adds moisture with a slight tang, keeping the cake luscious.
Buttermilk (1 cup, room temp): Enhances tenderness and reacts with leavening for fluffiness.
Rainbow jimmies sprinkles (3/4 cup): The star of the show, giving a playful burst of color throughout.
Butter for frosting (1 1/2 cups, room temp): Creates a silky, rich buttercream perfect for frosting.
Powdered sugar (5 cups): Sweetens the buttercream and gives it that smooth texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp, for frosting): Adds fragrant warmth to the frosting.
Milk (2-3 tbsp): Adjusts the buttercream consistency to perfection.
Sprinkles for decorating (1/2 cup): Finishing touch for a festive, colorful finish.

How to Make Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing three 9-inch cake pans, then line them with parchment paper. This ensures your cake layers release easily and bake evenly. Next, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl — this mix will provide the perfect rise and texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This aeration step is key to a soft, tender crumb — don’t rush it! You want that beautiful pale color and cloud-like texture in your batter.

Step 3: Incorporate Oil, Eggs, and Vanilla

With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the oil. Then add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. This careful folding helps maintain lightness without over-beating. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract for that signature fragrant note.

Step 4: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the sour cream until just combined. Now it’s time to alternate adding your dry mixture and buttermilk to the batter — start and end with the dry ingredients. This technique keeps the batter balanced and prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles and Bake

Gently fold in the rainbow jimmies sprinkles using a rubber spatula so they don’t bleed their colors into the batter. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, filling each a little over halfway to avoid sinking. Bake for 30-35 minutes (or 35-40 if using 8-inch pans), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Once baked, cool the cakes in the pans for 30 minutes, then loosen the edges and transfer the layers to a wire rack. Peel off the parchment and chill the cakes completely in the fridge before frosting. This step helps the layers firm up for easier assembly.

Step 7: Make the Buttercream

Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time. Add vanilla and milk as you go, stopping when you reach a creamy yet spreadable consistency. This luscious buttercream complements the cake perfectly, balancing sweetness and richness.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost Your Funfetti Cake

Level the chilled cake layers to create a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of buttercream between each one, then crumb coat the entire cake with a very thin frosting layer to seal in crumbs. Chill for 20 minutes, then apply the final thick layer of buttercream. Finish by decorating with extra sprinkles for that magical, funfetti sparkle.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake

Garnishes

Keep it classic by adding a generous scattering of colorful sprinkles across the top and sides. You can also add fresh berries or edible flowers for a touch of elegance, but nothing beats the joyful whimsy of extra sprinkles on a Funfetti Cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to add some contrast, a simple fruit salad or tart lemon curd can balance the sweetness and add a fresh twist to your dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the Funfetti Cake into cupcakes or cake pops for a portable treat, perfect for parties and gatherings. You could also try layering it in a trifle glass with whipped cream and fruit for a colorful, playful dessert that showcases all those pretty sprinkles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Funfetti Cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep it covered in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. Chilling helps keep the buttercream firm and the cake fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unfrosted cake layers and the fully assembled, frosted cake. Wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. For best results, freeze unassembled layers and frost after thawing to maintain texture and appearance.

Reheating

For best flavor, let refrigerated or frozen cake come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving frosted cakes to prevent melting. If you want a warm slice, remove a piece and heat it gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.

FAQs

What makes a Funfetti Cake different from a regular vanilla cake?

Funfetti Cake stands out thanks to the colorful sprinkles mixed into the batter, which create a fun, festive appearance in every bite. The batter itself is similar to vanilla cake but enhanced with sour cream and buttermilk for extra moistness.

Can I use different types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! While rainbow jimmies are classic, you can experiment with nonpareils, glitter sprinkles, or even larger confetti-style sprinkles. Just keep in mind that some might melt or bleed color during baking.

Is it necessary to chill the cake layers before frosting?

Chilling the layers makes assembling easier because the cake is firmer and less crumbly. It helps the frosting go on smoothly and prevents the cake from sliding or breaking.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the batter?

Fold sprinkles in gently at the very end of mixing, using a rubber spatula. Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the colors to bleed and discolor the batter.

Can I make this Funfetti Cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder, and adjust baking time as needed since gluten-free flours sometimes behave differently.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Funfetti Cake is like capturing a little celebration in each slice, full of color, flavor, and heartwarming nostalgia. It’s a recipe that’s both approachable and special, perfect for sharing that smile-inducing joy with friends and family. So grab your sprinkles and baking tools — I promise, your kitchen will be buzzing with happiness!

Funfetti Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Funfetti Cake is a classic celebration cake featuring moist, tender layers bursting with colorful sprinkles and coated in a rich, creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfect for birthdays or any festive occasion, this cake combines the joyful texture of rainbow jimmies inside with a smooth, sweet frosting decorated with extra sprinkles for a playful finishing touch.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Optionally, line the pans with cake strips to ensure even baking. Ensure not to overfill pans—fill slightly over halfway to prevent sinking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand or hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Oil: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the vegetable or canola oil. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again to combine thoroughly.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time while mixing on medium speed, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl after every two eggs for even mixing.
Add Sour Cream: Mix in the full-fat sour cream until well blended.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the batter alternately, starting and ending with the dry ingredients (dry, wet, dry, wet, dry). Mix until just combined.
Fold in Sprinkles: Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom and sides well. Gently fold in the 3/4 cup of rainbow jimmies sprinkles to avoid bleeding their colors into the batter.
Pour and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake 9-inch pans for 30-35 minutes, or 8-inch pans for 35-40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Cool the Cakes: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, invert onto a cooling rack, and remove parchment. For same-day frosting, chill cakes on the rack in the fridge for about an hour. If making ahead, cool to room temperature for 1 hour, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Prepare Buttercream: With a mixer using the whisk attachment, beat the room temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of milk as the mixture thickens, adjusting for desired consistency. Add an extra tablespoon of milk if too thick.
Level and Assemble Layers: If needed, level the chilled cakes to create flat surfaces. Spread a thin layer of buttercream between each cake layer.
Crumb Coat: Apply a very thin layer of buttercream around the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
Final Frosting and Decorating: Apply the remaining buttercream smoothly over the cake. Decorate with the remaining sprinkles for a festive touch. Slice and serve.

Notes

Using room temperature ingredients ensures the batter blends smoothly and rises evenly.
Cake strips are optional but help prevent dome-shaped cakes by insulating the pan edges during baking.
Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to avoid a dense cake.
Folding sprinkles gently avoids bleeding colors that can turn the batter a muddy color.
Buttermilk can be substituted with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, rested for 5 minutes.
For best results, chill the cakes before frosting to avoid crumb contamination.
Store leftover cake wrapped in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American